Splash Pad!

Today we went to the park to celebrate cousin Quinn's 2nd birthday! We decided we would bring Cooper's swimwear and take him to play in the splash pad. He hates getting dried off from his bath and had never been in cold water so I wasn't sure how he would handle it, but he LOVED it! Life with him is so much fun! He didn't mind it splashing him or when it went in his face. We really loved the water coming out of this red mushroom. He would stand by it (while I'm holding him of course) and he would just grab at the water. When we were done, he didn't even fuss. We went back a little later and played one last time. I'm now even more excited to take him swimming next week! Some pictures from our fun evening:

Cousin Quinn is to the left in his Mater swimsuit!

Not sure what to think at first, but didn't mind it a bit!

Too interested in checking things out to look at the camera.

Loud Noises=Upset Stomach

You've been of oxygen and entire week and are doing amazing! We're so excited for you! Your nurse and developmental therapist came today. They think you're doing great!

• Said you're ready to sit up you just need to decide to do it.
• Need to continue with tummy time and playing in your bumbo to strengthen your core.
• Told to start placing things away from you while on your tummy so you can army crawl to get it. We can put a little pressure on your feet to help you.
• Need to practice rolling over each time we change your diaper. You can do it, but not enough as they want.
• Continue to work on reaching with left hand and following things midline, left to right and vise versa.

You've started playing with your feet the past few days. We've learned that strawberries/bananas burn your bum. Peaches upset your stomach. We will try them again when you get bigger. We also learned that lots of noise bothers you. We had no idea preemies like you have a hard time with a lot of noise. We went to NBA Draft Party for Damian Lillard last night and you were acting weird. Then you started crying and wouldn't stop. Then you through up all over me. I took you straight to doctor and that's how we learned about the noises. Doctor wanted you to take some Pedialyte and rest. So, no fireworks for you this year. We were excited for you to see them, but we can wait. We just want you to do well.

Sleeping Habits

Your sleeping habits today are cracking me up! I went up to my bedroom only to realize it got really quiet. I went to check on you and this is what I found:

It brought tears to my eyes. You're growing so fast.

Then, I was doing laundry and I put you on some laundry on the laundry table while I was folding and sorting clothes. I put a few from you that were still a little warm from the dryer and BAM! you're out again! You've never been like this before. Makes me giggle! (You sleep with yours eyes slightly open sometimes... you get that from your dad.)

Words can't describe how much I love and adore you.

No Oxygen!!!

Just a few updates! Cooper has been off oxygen for almost 72 hours! We're so proud of him! He has learned to suck his thumb on his right hand. He doesn't even like to take his binky anymore. He's talking more and more. He loves to bounce in his Jumperoo. He's a cutie!

NICU Follow-Up Program

You had a VERY LONG appointment today. It's through the "NICU Follow-Up Program." We met with a pediatrician, neurologist, physical therapist, nutritionist, audiologist, and social worker. I think that was all! We were there from 8:30 am until 1:00 pm.

Pediatrician - She sees nothing to be concerned about. A little tight, but overall, really good!

Neurologist - Thinks you're doing great! No real signs of your brain bleed. Wants your birthmark on your face checked because if a certain type of birthmark, it can mean there is something wrong in your brain. So, we will be going to a dermatologist to have that checked out. You reached for things and followed things well. You didn't cross reach, which is good, because sometimes those with brain bleeds will sometimes reach across to grad instead of using the closest.

Physical Therapist - Thinks she sees a slight favoring of your right side (common when you have a brain bleed on your right side). Nothing she's concerned about, but said we need to watch it. She thinks you might have an issue with your hip, but when she looked at you the test wasn't consistent so she isn't quite sure. So, we will be getting an ultrasound or xray of your hip to see if it tells us you're good or if there are problems. She gave us a few exercises to do with you after changing your diaper each time. She said you're a little stiff when we hold you up, meaning you don't just relax and let your legs bend, you stand. Also having to watch your ankles to make sure they are moving smoothly, and to watch your arms to make sure you're holding them both in instead of out. At one point while we were there, your right was in and relaxed, and your left was just hanging out wide so she said if we notice that to pull it back in. You followed, reached for, and played with things well. She also said to try our best to get you to have two 45 minute naps a day instead of all the little ones you take because your body doesn't release a growth hormone until you are asleep for that long!

Nutritionist - Said to aim towards 24 oz of formula a day (not 32 ounces like our doctor said) and eating cereal/baby foods twice a day (instead of 3 like our doctor said). She said the reason for this is you are considered a 4 month old, not a 7 month old. She's very happy with how you're doing. She said feedings is all about when you want it and how much you want and not to try to force you to eat. She's very happy with your habits, though. She said it's not a surprise that you don't get too fussy anymore when you want to eat. She said that is common for NICU babies. Sometimes it's extremely hard to find cues in NICU babies so if you haven't ate in 4 hours, to go ahead and try feeding you.

Audiologist - Hearing is still flat. Wants to see you in 3-4 months. Thinks having tubes in your ears will be a great thing if they don't drain in their own. Happy that the bones/nerves are fine and that there is no hearing loss in our family.

Social Worker - Happy that you're being taken care of and reminded me to plan things to look forward to each week and to interact with other adults. I'm already doing my best at that so we're both great!

Overall, great appointment. It was nice to have more eyes to check out how you're doing. Everyone thinks you're progressing very well. Physical therapist was even surprised that you were reaching for and holding toys already! We will go back again at your corrected age of 9 mo, 18 mo, and 2.5 years unless requested to come at other times.

It was also interesting to see all the other little ones there for their NICU follow-up. You could tell many had issues worse than yours and others that it didn't seem to affect too much. It also made me realize how lucky we are to have such a health baby boy. So proud of you! You're a fighter!

Father's Day

We had a wonderful day! We made daddy a card with your handprints and it say "I love you thissss much!" Daddy and I used to tell this to each other while dating (and still do on occasion). He told me he wants me to teach it to you so when he comes home from work you can do it. I thought we would start a little early and make the cute card! We made daddy Shepherd's Pie for dinner (his favorite) and we got him a certificate to do a round of indoor golf at a place where there is a big screen, they have nice clubs, and he can play at any golf course that he wants, too! We got this for Grandpa Frederiksen, too!

First Play Date!

Growing up, I didn't have close friends because we moved so much. I was very excited about buying a home in hopes that Cooper would have friends to grow up with. It was even better when we found out there was a little boy across the street almost Cooper's age. So...

You had your first play date with your future best friend today (at least I think you will be best friends)! His name is Sam and you two had so much fun! You kept playing with each other's hands, smiled, and talked a little. It was fun to see you interact. Mommy enjoys the time to talk with Sam's mom, too, so we both win! Hopefully next time we will get pictures!

We got home and you got a little fussy and I said "Are you sad we had to leave Sam?" and it sounded like you said, "Yeah!" You wore each other out cause now you're sleeping!

AND, you rolled over from your back to your belly today while I was folding laundry! Wahoo!

Our Wedding Day

Daddy and I remembered something the other day. We remembered that during our temple sealing the sealer told us that our CHILDREN (that's more than one) were there. Now that you're here, we realize that YOU were at our wedding. It makes us very happy to think about. You're the best!

Also, you started your first baby food yesterday... sweet potatoes. You LOVE them!

So Much Fun!

You're so much fun! I was going through your drawers putting stuff that was too small in a box. We thought we would try on some of your hats to see if they still fit. This is the only one that kind of still fit and you just look so cute in it!!!

We also gave you your first tub bath! You were very quiet. You just looked around and loved moving your legs in the water. So cute!

You and Uncle Cory... I just know he is going to get you in lots of trouble! He likes to do stuff that bothers me!

Things We Notice

You're getting bigger and smarter each day.
Some things we've noticed about you recently:

• You've learned how to rub your eyes with your hands when you're tired.
• You've learned to cry if we take your bottle out of your mouth before you consider yourself finished.
• You've learned that your toy will make noise and move it you wiggle and hit the toys.
• You're trying to hold your bottle on your own.
• You can now get your legs under you when on your tummy.

Health Updates:

• Still on your oxygen. You're off most of the day. 
• Still haven't passed your hearing test. You were checked on Monday and the response was still flat. You are hearing, but not enough yet. It's muffled due to the fluid in your ears from your oxygen.
• On Monday, you weighed: 13 lbs 14.5 ounces!

Motherhood/Teacher:

I've been a little overwhelmed lately. I will be started a new job as a 2nd grade teacher (part-time) at a Title I school. I feel like I'm a new teacher all over again. I've had a hard time with the thought of leaving you with someone else, but we've found great friends to watch you. I've struggled with it daily lately. My emotions have been high, for many reasons. I hope you always know that I am here for you. I hope you know that I am your mother and that I am doing my best for you. I hope you know I didn't choose teaching over you. I love you. You mean more to me than anything. You are my life. You make me want to be a better person. Just always know that I love you and that I am here for you.

Caught you, Daisy, and Grandpa Todd the other day....

My Little Man

Some pictures of you in your blessing suit. It's all you would let me get! You look so handsome and big!

You had another hearing test today and didn't pass. Still flat which means you still have fluid behind your ears.

Blessing Day

Cooper, today was a wonderful and beautiful day.  You were so good all day. You were awake and quiet during your blessing (Grandpa Frederiksen said you were justa kickin’ your legs). Daddy gave you your blessing. Everyone thought you were so cute (and it’s completely true)! We thought you looked like a little temple worker in your suit. Daddy blessed you that you would know that the Lord has been with you from the beginning. He blessed you that you would be a missionary and so many other things. It was short, simple, and to the point. We hope you always know how much the Lord loves you.

Mommy’s Testimony: I hope you know that He is always with you. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true church on the earth. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet on the earth today. He receives revelation from the Lord that helps guide us in these days. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that the things inside of it help us learn about our life. It is for our day. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know that you were born three months early for a reason. I may never know why, but Cooper, more than anything, I know the Lord needed you here for something. You are a child a God. He loves you. He knows you. He will help you through everything. Keep him close. Live the gospel standards. I love you and am so proud to be your mom.

Daddy’s Testimony: Hopefully he will write this at some point!

Those in Your Blessing Circle: Daddy, Grandpa Joel Frederiksen, Grandpa L. Todd Smith, Uncle Cory Tinajero, Great-Grandpa Larry Smith, Great-Uncle Ralph, Cousin Aaron Allen, and a person from the bishopric.

People Who Attended Your Blessing: Me & Daddy, Grandma and Grandma Frederiksen, Aunt Rachel & Camille, Grandma and Grandpa Smith, Great-Grandma & Great-Grandpa Smith, Uncle Brandon Cory Tinajero, Aunt Johnnie & Uncle Harry, Great-Aunt Celeste and her kids Brielle, Abbey, Kade, and Elsie, Cousins Heather Frederiksen, Elizabeth & Aaron Allen and their little guy Quinn, Great-Uncle Ralph and Great-Aunt Lori Frederiksen, Great-Aunt DeAnn Jones and cousin Michelle Jones, Ben & Mandee Wheeler and their two boys Tucker and Gavin, and “Uncle” Huu Tran.

Those Who Later Came to Your Luncheon (in addition to those above): Great-Aunt Lisa, Cousins Shaylynn Robison, Brooke Peacock and her new little girl Hailey, Great-Aunt Jodean and Great-Uncle Adam Child and their kids Daniel, Katherine, and Jamie.